AFP supports extending martial law in some Mindanao areas

October 15, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philppines (AFP) expressed support on the extension of Martial Law in selective areas in Mindanao.

"We have articulated our support to selective coverage of Martial Law as deemed warranted by the local chief executive and validated by our operational commanders on the ground," said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, in a statement Tuesday.

"In the case of Davao City for example, the commander, Eastern Mindanao Command  Lt. Gen Felimon Santos, Jr. has expressed his support fo the lifting of martial law in the city given Mayor Sarah Duterte’s recommendation," he added.

Santos said government forces have cleared all barangays in Davao City from communist rebels.

"In Davao City, the peace and security there is okay. We have cleared all barangays including Pacquibato which was really the hotbed of NPA. It's been cleared and progress have entered with the help of Peace 911 which was created by the city government. We have no problem with the position of the city mayor," he said.

It can be recalled that last August, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte sent a letter and documents to the Office of the President to request for the lifting of martial law implementation.

Recently, Mayor Duterte revealed her plan to send copies of the documents justifying lifting martial law to House of Representatives and the Department of National Defense. 

Despite the support expressed by the military, Arevalo said the final decision will depend on President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after ISIS elements took control of Marawi City in 2017. Robina Asido/DMS